Can toning prevent a FBL designation?

Higashiyama

I have a Franklin that is very darkly toned around the line area, and magnification and careful examination are required to see that the lines are full.

Would it still be designated at FBL?

FC57Coins

It's hard to say, because to get FBL designation you have to be able to see the bell lines clearly and, depending on the year and mint (49S-54S and anything from the 60's) sometimes you have to strain a bit to see if there are lines there or not. Having said that, I'll tell you that I've seen many a speckeled toned coin which takes everything you have to see the darned lines, but if they're there, you'll get the designation.

Frank

Russ

PCGS gave that one the FBL designation. Frankly, I don't think it is.

Russ, NCNE

LucyBop

I have a many a toned Frankies and one that is in for grading is a very ugly dark coin, however, the bell lines are still very clear and visable..


here is my 49 in for grading.

maddogale

The lines on yours is much more pronounced, Lucy, than that one Russ has. BTW, Russ, nice pun....PCGS gave that one the FBL designation. Frankly, I don't think it is.

FC57Coins

Higasan:

As you can see from the above examples, where you have very strong bell lines, there shouldn't be a problem seeing them. The example below however would give you fits. This is from a 1951S PCGS MS65FBL and yes, if you turn the coin just right, you CAN see bell lines, ever so faintly going all the way across the bell - I've taken the coin to various dealers and shows and they've concurred that these are about as weak a bell lines as you'll ever see in a certified coin. So, in this case, if the toning on the coin were any darker, I would venture to say that the FBL designation would be in jeopardy. But this is the exception rather than the rule. The coins show by Russ and Lucy are better examples of mainstream FBL's.

Frank

MadMarty

I'm hoping this gets an FBL! BTW, this one is a 54-S!

LucyBop

Damn Marty, you may shock the world on that one....

MadMarty

Here's the 53-S

LucyBop

then you blew it again!

MadMarty

Tough pic, here's another!

foodude

Old thread, but here's comment to add. Yes, they must be able to see the bell lines to determine FBL. Lighting condidtions with darkly toned coins is important. If PCGS still uses halogen lamps for grading, then the toning is less of a problem. I use halogen lamps (preferably without a much other light around) ) to grade. Among other things it allows you to see through toning like superman can look through walls, well at least sort of....